KSU To Hold 124th Commencement Convocation On May 11

Frankfort, KY – Kentucky State University will award approximately 450 candidates for graduation their associate, bachelor’s and master’s degrees at its 124th Commencement Convocation, beginning at 9 a.m. Saturday, May 11, in the Frankfort Convention Center, 405 Mero St., Frankfort.

The procession for faculty, staff, platform guests and graduates will begin at 8:45 a.m. The doors to the Convention Center will close promptly at 8:30 a.m. for the procession. They will reopen after the platform guests and graduates are seated.

Martha J. Kanter, who serves as the U.S. undersecretary of education, will be the commencement speaker. Kanter was nominated by President Barack Obama on April 29, 2009, and was confirmed by the Senate on June 19, 2009. She reports to Secretary of Education Arne Duncan and oversees policies, programs and activities related to postsecondary education, adult education, career-technical education and federal student aid. She also oversees White House initiatives on Asian-Americans and Pacific Islanders, Educational Excellence for Hispanics, historically black colleges and universities, tribal colleges and universities, and faith-based and neighborhood partnerships.

An honorary doctorate will be presented to Travis Grant. Grant, known as “the Machine,” brought national recognition to KSU, where he became one of the most prolific scorers in college basketball history. He led the Thorobreds to three consecutive National NAIA Basketball Championships in 1970, 1971 and 1972, and holds several scoring records, including college basketball’s all-time leading scorer.

After he left professional basketball, Grant finished his degree and began a career in public service as an educator and community organizer. Over the last 30 years, he has been a coach, an assistant principal and an athletic director for two schools in Georgia while staying involved in community service activities.

KSU will also recognize the members of the 1963 graduating class, who will celebrate their 50th reunion. The Golden Anniversary class will have a special section of prominence at the ceremony.

The School of Nursing Pinning Ceremony will be at 6 p.m. Friday, May 10, in the Bradford Hall Carl H. Smith Auditorium.